Sports

Soccer: Ohio Wins Fourth Straight

Ohio’s Cat Rogers has been the main scoring threat for the soccer team this season, but in Sunday afternoon’s 2-1 victory over Cleveland State, it was Holly Harris who took over the scoring role.

Ohio’s offense attacked immediately with the freshman forward’s first collegiate goal at 9:02, but following the score, the Vikings’ had the advantage on the offensive end.

Cleveland State’s Vickie Havas responded at the 10:58 mark with a goal that slapped off goalie Mattie Liston’s hands into the back of the net. The goal snapped Liston’s 325-minute scoreless streak.

Cleveland State was constantly pounding Ohio’s backline, but Liston was hardly challenged because of the back four’s solid play.

“The defense was good today. They've just gotten a little bit better for the most part with each game, and their organization is good,” Coach Stacy Strauss said. “Cleveland State is a difficult team to defend because they played so direct, and I thought we did a good job to drop when necessary.”

In the second half, the Bobcats began to get more shots on goal, pressuring the Cleveland State backline. They outshot the Vikings 15-6 for the game with seven shots on goals compared to Cleveland State’s four.

This pressure ultimately opened up the opportunity for Harris to strike again.

At the 61:31 mark, Rogers set up for a corner kick. Her cross into the goalie box was headed into the ground by Brieanna Charlebois, which set Harris up for a tap-in goal.

Harris’ second goal of her career would prove to be the game-winning shot.

“Everybody can score. Cat has had her glory and hopefully she can continue that,” said Harris, who had 93 career goals in high school. “Everybody has a chance, and I guess today was my game.”

Strauss knew Harris would eventually score.

“It's great. Honestly, I'm surprised it hadn't happened sooner for Holly and a number of others as well,” Strauss said. “Holly is probably the most prolific goal scorer in the freshman class, so I think we felt like it has just been coming, and we were happy for her today that she was able to finish two.”

As the team inches closer to MAC play, their depth and scoring continues to build. Strauss played 19 of her 25 players on the roster including backup goalies Rachel Fryan and Nicole Amari gaining valuable experience.

“Our depth is one of our strengths. We can be as good or better when we go to the bench,” Strauss said. “I think to have more than one offensive threat is certainly going to make us more difficult to defend.”

The victory lifted the Bobcats over the .500 mark this season. Ohio is riding a four-game win streak as they take on Youngstown State this Friday at home.